Weddings of the Century: A Pair of Wedding Novellas(21)
When they were out of earshot, Sunny said with awe, “Mr. Curzon is the handsomest man I’ve ever seen!”
“Yes, but he’s a younger son with three older brothers, so he’s unlikely ever to inherit the title.” Lady Westron gave a warning look. “Not at all the sort your mother wants for you.”
“But as a Member of Parliament, he actually does something useful,” Sunny pointed out. “My grandfather would have approved of that.”
“Admiral Vangelder would not have wanted a penniless younger son for his favorite granddaughter,” Katie said firmly. “Come, I want you to meet Lord Traymore. An Irish title, unfortunately, but an earl is an earl, and he’s charming. You could do worse.”
Dutifully Sunny followed her godmother to the next knot of guests, though she promised herself that she would slip off and view the famous water garden before she left. Until then, she would enjoy the color and laughter of the occasion.
She was also guiltily glad to be free of her mother’s rather overpowering presence for a day. Augusta Vangelder was the most devoted and solicitous of parents, but she had very firm ideas about the way things ought to be. Very firm. Unfortunately, she was laid up in their suite at Claridge’s with a mild case of the grippe, so Sunny had the benefit of the more liberal chaperonage of her godmother. Not only did Lady Westron know everyone, but she made racy comments about them. Sunny felt very worldly.
While a courtly old judge went to fetch them refreshments, she asked, “Where is the Duke of Thornborough? Since he ordered a special train to bring his guests from London for the day, I should at least know whom to be grateful to.”
Katie scanned the crowd, then nodded toward the refreshment marquee. “That tall fair chap.”
After a thorough examination, Sunny observed, “He’s almost as handsome as Mr. Curzon, and has a most distinguished air. Exactly what one would expect of a duke.”
“Yes, and he’s delightfully witty, as well,” Katie replied. “Very prominent in the Prince of Wales’s Marlborough House set. I’ll introduce you to him later.”
Sunny glanced at the other woman suspiciously. “Am I to be paraded in front of him like a prize heifer?”
“No,” Katie said with regret. “Thornborough won’t do. His taste runs to ladies who are .rather excessively sophisticated. He’s expected to offer for May Russell soon.”
“The American Mrs. Russell?” Sunny asked, surprised.
“Mad May herself. She’s a good choice. Having had children by two husbands already, she shouldn’t have any problems giving Thornborough an heir, and her fortune is immense.” Katie gave a little sniff. “Heaven knows that Thornborough needs it.”
Sunny's gaze shifted. “Who’s the man standing to the left of the duke?”
Katie looked over. “Oh, that’s just the Gargoyle.”
“I beg your pardon?” Sunny glanced at her godmother, not sure that she’d heard correctly.
“Lord Justin Aubrey, Thornborough’s younger brother, better known as the Gargoyle,” Katie explained. “He manages the duke’s estate, which means he’s scarcely more than a farmer.”
A line etched between her brows, Sunny studied the dark young man. While not handsome, his face had a certain rugged distinction. “Why was he given such an unkind nickname? He’s no Mr. Curzon, but neither is he ugly.”
“The Aubreys are known for being tall, blond and aristocratic, and Lord Justin is none of those things. He’s always scowling and has no conversation at all.” Katie smiled naughtily. “One would have to question what his dear mother had been up to, except that every now and then the Aubreys produce one like him. The youngest Aubrey daughter, Lady Alexandra, resembles him, poor girl. I imagine she’s around here somewhere. She’s known as the Gargoylette.”
Sunny’s frown deepened. “I’m sorry to think that these handsome people have such cruel tongues.”
“They are no more and no less cruel than New York society,” Lady Westron said dryly. “Human nature is much the same everywhere.”
Sunny’s gaze lingered on Lord Justin. Though not tall, neither was he short. He looked to be of average height, perhaps an inch or two taller than she. She guessed that he was in his late twenties, but his stern expression made him seem older. He looked as if he thoroughly disapproved of the splendid gathering around him.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Katie exclaiming, “Lord Hancock is over there! I hoped that he would be here today. Come along, dear, you must meet him.”
After another wistful glance at the gardens, Sunny obediently followed her godmother.
*
The eighth Duke of Thornborough sampled a strawberry from one of the mounds on the refreshment table. “Splendid flavor.” He reached for another. “You’ve been getting remarkable results from the greenhouses.”
Justin Aubrey shrugged. “I only give the orders, Gavin. It’s the gardeners who do the real work.”
“But someone must still give the right orders, and it isn’t going to be me.” The duke consumed several more strawberries, then washed them down with champagne. “Relax, Justin. You’ve worked for weeks to make my fete a success, so you should try to enjoy the results. Everyone is having a cracking good time.”